Philippians 1

• Timothy was one of Paul's most trusted co-workers and messengers. Paul lists Timothy as a co-sender for five other letters:

  • 2 Corinthians

  • Colossians

  • 1 Thessalonians

  • 2 Thessalonians

  • Philemon

• servants of Christ Jesus: Paul and Timothy belonged entirely to Christ and were fully devoted to his service (see Philippians 2:20–21).

• God's holy people are made holy in God's sight by Christ's redeeming work (see Ephesians 1:4, 7; 5:25–27; Colossians 1:22). They are being made holy by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in their lives (compare Philippians 4:21).

• Philippi was a Roman colony in the province of Macedonia. The church in Philippi was the first Christian community in Greece (see Acts 16:11–40).

• In the early church, church leaders provided spiritual guidance, while deacons attended to practical matters (see 1 Timothy 3:1–13). There were no professional pastors or priests like there are today (compare 1 Corinthians 14:26–31).

Paul begins his letter by listing the senders and recipients. He then offers a blessing of grace and peace.

Grace is the kindness and blessing God gives, even though people do not deserve it. Peace means deep well-being and calmness that come from the good news about Jesus and are produced by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). Both grace and peace are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:1–2).

Paul thanks God for the recipients and prays for them. This is Paul's usual practice when writing letters.

Paul felt joy because the Philippians partnered with him to spread the good news about Jesus. Paul was confident that God would continue his good work in them.

Their partnership also included giving money to help Paul in his work (refer to 4:10–20).

He who began a good work in you: It is God who starts his saving work in people (see Romans 9:16; Ephesians 1:3–8, 11; 2:4–10). Because God is the one who began it, we can trust that God will continue changing believers to become more like his Son (see Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:13, 15).

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart: Perhaps their lives were blessed because of Paul’s suffering and witness. Perhaps they had suffered together with him (see 1:29).

• Love is the result of Christ’s Spirit within believers (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). Love is part of the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence that Christ is working in believers

• abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight: Growing in understanding helps believers know what truly matters (see Romans 12:2). It helps them live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13; 5:23).

• People cannot create righteous character on their own; it only comes through the Spirit of Christ working in their hearts.

• The ultimate purpose for God's people is to give glory and praise to God (see Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).

• brothers: Paul uses the Greek word adelphoi, which was a common way to speak to a group of fellow believers (both men and women) as part of God’s family.

• my circumstances: This refers to Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

• have actually served to advance the gospel: See Acts 28:17–31 for an example of this.

Paul was happy that his time in prison helped spread the good news about Jesus.

• the whole palace guard: These were soldiers who worked in the official residence of the emperor or a Roman governor (see 4:22).

• Paul was in prison for preaching the good news of Christ (compare Acts 21:26–28:31).

Because of Paul's courage and boldness, the believers (literally the brothers in the Lord; see study note on 1:12) became more daring and less fearful in sharing God's message. Paul's boldness spread to others.

some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry: These people were likely other believers who did not like Paul and criticized him (see 2 Corinthians 10–13; Galatians 4:12–20; 5:7–12). Even so, the message about Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced.

will turn out for my deliverance: Paul expected to be released from prison soon (see 1:25–26; 2:24). This is different from what Paul wrote later in 2 Timothy 4:6, when he was in prison again and expected to die.

to die is gain: For believers, death is not something to fear. It means going to be with Christ (see 1:23; compare John 5:24; 11:25–26; Romans 8:38–39).

I desire to depart and be with Christ: Death leads believers immediately into the Lord’s presence (see 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, 51–52; 2 Corinthians 5:1–8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17).

• The well-being of the church is more important to Paul than his own desire to be with Christ.

• for your progress and joy in the faith: Christians should find joy even during tough times (see 4:4; John 15:11, 20; 16:20–24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16).

As foreigners in this world, the Philippian believers should live like citizens of heaven (compare 3:20; 1 Peter 2:9–11).

Paul encourages the Christians in Philippi to live in a way that honors the gospel (see Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). He especially encourages them to stay strong and faithful, even when they face persecution.

• This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation: As translated, the persecutors would feel convicted by the example of the Philippians. The same Greek phrase could also mean a sign to them that you are going to be destroyed, but a sign to you that you are going to be saved. By that interpretation, the persecutors would stay blind to the truth (compare 2 Corinthians 2:15–16).

For it has been granted to you … to suffer for Him: What the world sees as shameful, Christians see as an honor because it is for Christ. It honors him.

• you are encountering the same struggle: Both Paul and the Philippians faced strong opposition. Paul was in prison, and the Philippians were being persecuted.

• the same struggle you saw I had: See Acts 16:11–40; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:2.